Bushnell H2O Binocular

Folds down small enough for a shirk pocket, focusses easily, sharp image, solidly built.

I bought the 8×25 version of these binoculars and was immediately impressed at the quality of the optics. The view is sharp, clear, and they are well collimated with very good color correction. There is very little chromatic aberration or color fringing. My more expensive Vortex 8×42 binoculars have a wider field of view and more light gathering power, but these little H2O binoculars aren’t far behind in resolution. Eye relief is acceptable with glasses and good without them. The close focusing is about 15 feet, not as good as more expensive binoculars but fine for travel binoculars. To go along with the good optics, they’re water-proof. The case is just adequate and has no strap but this is not really a problem since I discovered that I can use the strap on the binoculars to carry them around with the case on. At about $45 they are a real bargain.

For the price I paid, these 8 x 25 binoculars represent an incredibly superb value. They are quite decently sharp, bright enough for daylight use, are very compact, rugged and grippy, come in a nice little soft case, and are perfect for a “spare pair” to put in the glove box of the car or truck. No, they aren’t optically equivalent to units costing up to 10 times more, but they are very pleasing to look through with a reasonably sharp image with some softening at the edges. If they are truly waterproof and fog proof (only time will tell), I will be incredibly impressed. I will report back if I find something to the contrary.

Very bright and clear image, focuses fast and easy. Folds for easy carrying. The included case is OK, but nothing special. With the included strap attached the case is a bit awkward to use. Can adjust lens for different eye strength. Well built.

The best pair of binoculars are the pair you have with you. These fold small and can literally fit into a shirt pocket. I use them regularly for bird and wildlife watching on my rural property. The optics are clear with no objectionable issues with chromatic abberations. The diopter is hard to turn but no problem for single users since it won’t move once set. Focusing was a bit gritty at first but has smoothed out now. Not as smooth as Kowa 6×30 or my Pentax binocs. These are fine for my purposes being waterproof.
Minus 1 star for no objective or eyepiece covers and the belt case is way too tight to be of any use. The neck strap is comfortable. Be prepared to buy a small camera case to store them in. I put mine in a plastic bag and carry a small ear syringe to blow off any dust.
Crappy shipping in a plastic bag. Really?? who carelessly ships an optical instrument in a plastic bag?? I guess a box is too much effort.

Bought these because I wanted something I could always throw in a bag and not worry about because I’d paid an arm and a leg for them. Wow! Really pleased with the brightness, clarity and field of view for such a small aperture and great price. Took them to the Masters this week and very happy with the choice I made. Only nitpick is that the twist-up eyecups are harder plastic than the rubber I was expecting, but they have a nice satin finish that doesn’t scratch my sunglassses (eye relief is pretty good). Great purchase.